Stevens Discusses Mucho Macho Man

It’s still very early, but Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man has taken the first step towards what could lead to a chance at a repeat performance in the $5 million race at Santa Anita on Nov. 1.

“He’s grown and he’s taken a step forward mentally,” said Gary Stevens, who was aboard for the thrilling Classic win at Santa Anita last November and who rode the 6-year-old Macho Uno horse to a 14-length romp in the Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 18.

“He was very, very relaxed in the post parade (at Gulfstream) . . . He’s a cool horse. He’s very, very intelligent,” Stevens said. “I believe he’s moved forward, and that’s just natural. They’ve got some races picked out to get us back to the Breeders’ Cup. Hopefully, that’ll happen.

“But they have by no means tightened the screws up at this point. At the end of last year, I told Kathy and Finn (trainer Kathy Ritvo and Finn Green, Racing Manager for owners Dean and Patti Reeves) that he’s a horse that’s still developing.”

One race under consideration for Mucho Macho Man’s next start is the Grade I, $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap on March 8.